Better Than Starbucks Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
A cozy, homemade pumpkin spice latte that’s creamier, warmer, and more real than any drive-thru version. Made with real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and simple ingredients, this quick and easy recipe comes together in under 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice; oat milk recommended for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 1–2 shots espresso
- 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tiny pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew your coffee or espresso first and set it aside in your mug.
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whisk until the pumpkin is mostly incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges (about 3-4 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin milk mixture into your mug with the brewed coffee or espresso. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
- Top with whipped cream if desired and dust with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For extra foam, use a handheld frother on the warm milk mixture before adding the coffee. If the latte tastes flat, add more salt or use a stronger coffee base. To balance sweetness, add a splash of extra hot milk. Add vanilla extract after removing from heat to keep its flavor bright.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 latte (12 ounces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, homemade latte, fall coffee, pumpkin coffee, better than starbucks, easy latte recipe